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Joint moments in minor limb length discrepancy: a pilot study
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Minor limb length discrepancies did not significantly alter lower extremity joint mechanics in healthy individuals. This study found no association between small limb length differences and changes in joint kinetics that could lead to abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a common condition that may affect lower extremity biomechanics.
- The potential for minor LLDs to cause joint abnormalities is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether minor LLDs significantly alter lower extremity joint mechanics.
- To determine if altered joint mechanics due to LLD could contribute to joint abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Biomechanical analysis using gait analysis in healthy subjects.
- Simulated a 1.25 cm LLD using a shoe lift and analyzed joint moments (hip, knee, ankle).
- Analyzed joint moments in patients with actual LLDs before and after correction.
Main Results:
- Simulating a minor LLD did not produce significant changes in hip, knee, or ankle joint moments.
- No significant side-to-side differences in joint moments were found in patients with actual LLDs before correction.
- Correcting LLDs led to significantly increased side-to-side joint moment differences, suggesting overcompensation.
Conclusions:
- Minor LLDs were not associated with predictable changes in lower extremity joint kinetics.
- The study did not find evidence that minor LLDs contribute to the development of joint abnormalities.
- Acute overcompensation may occur following LLD correction.